“Piano, Piano, Piano, Piano” is an album by Ray Bryant, recorded on April 5, 1957, at Van Gelder Studios, Hackensack, New Jersey, and originally released on Prestige Records (PR 7098). The Jazz Workshop Vinyl reissue as a 180-gram audiophile LP (JW-095) revives this record with remastering that highlights the piano’s warmth, courtesy of Rudy Van Gelder. The lineup features Ray Bryant (piano), Ike Isaacs (bass), and Specs Wright (drums). The album includes standards like Django and Bryant’s originals. The music is hard bop with bluesy and soul-jazz elements, with Bryant’s piano melodic and rhythmic, and the rhythm section providing a swinging foundation. The Jazz Workshop reissue, limited to 500 copies, is prized for its crystalline sound, capturing the trio’s energy. “Piano, Piano, Piano, Piano” is a vibrant record, showcasing Bryant’s mastery.
Ray Bryant (December 24, 1931 – June 2, 2011) was an American jazz pianist and composer, a master of hard bop and soul jazz. Born in Philadelphia, he began playing piano as a child, inspired by gospel music and classical works. In the 1950s, Bryant became a prominent figure, collaborating with Carmen McRae, Miles Davis, and Sonny Rollins. His style blended bluesy warmth with virtuosic technique, creating accessible yet profound improvisations. Bryant recorded numerous albums, including hits like Little Susie. Later, he taught and performed, leaving a legacy as one of jazz’s most soulful pianists.
TRACKLIST
Side One:
1. Golden Earrings (Young-Livingston-Evans) 4:51
2. Angel Eyes (Dennis-Brent) 3:18
3. Blues Changes (Ray Bryant) 4:58
4. Splittin’ (Ray Bryant) 4:34
Side Two:
1. Django (John Lewis) 5:01
2. The Thrill is Gone (Brown-Henderson) 4:52
3. Daahoud (Clifford Brown) 3:59
4. Sonar (Clarke-Wiggings) 3:22
Personnel:
The Ray Bryant Trio
Ray Bryant (piano), Ike Isaacs (bass), Specs Wright (drums).
Recorded at Van Gelder Studios, Hackensack, New Jersey, April 5, 1957
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